Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4) [Paperback]

Frank Murphy (Author), Richard Walz (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Step into Reading

A funny, entertaining introduction to Ben Franklin and his many inventions, including the story of how he created the "magic square." A magic square is a box of nine numbers arranged so that any line of three numbers adds up to the same number, including on the diagonal! Teachers and kids will love finding out about this popular teaching tool that is still used in elementary schools today!

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 2-3. In this lively offering from the Step into Reading + Math series, young readers will learn about both Benjamin Franklin and magic squares--square grids of numerals in which all the numbers in any vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row adds up to the same sum. The text introduces Franklin as a smart, curious kid whose ideas led him to "inventing cool things"; as a witty, intelligent man whose ideas were the seeds of America's first library, fire station, and hospital; and as a "super busy guy" who amused himself during meetings of the Pennsylvania Colonial Assembly by creating magic squares. An appended section offers step-by-step directions for those who want to construct their own versions of the mathematical puzzle. The engaging, informal style of the writing and the colorful, cartoonlike illustrations make this a playful but solid choice for introducing young readers to Franklin and to magic squares. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"This book is...enjoyable and nutritious... classic literature in comic book form. Bravo! Bravo, Frank Murphy! Bravo, Richard Walz!" -- Daniel Pinkwater, Contentville.com, May 11, 2001

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; First edition. edition (February 27, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375806210
• ISBN-13: 978-0375806216
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.2 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,330 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Fiction > General
  • #38 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > United States > Fiction
  • #41 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Math > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reading and Math Together, December 1, 2001

By 

M. Allen Greenbaum (California) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4) (Paperback)

This is a whimsical book that still adheres fairly close to facts about the muti-talented Benjamin Franklin. (Frank Murphy notes on the last page that Franklin really did have a pet squirrel, something that I thought was the author's invention). The book highlights Franklin's lifelong knack for inventions and chronicles his achievements as a publisher, sciencist, writer, and patriot. The book also introduces magic squares, showing how Frankinn invented one as he sat, bored, waiting to take notes for the Pennsylvania Colonial Assembly. There's a good explanation of magic squares (a nine-cell table in which 3 numbers counted vertically, horizontally, or diagonally add to the same number), and instructions on how to make your own magic square. With 48 pages and colorful, evocative pictures, this book will appeal to the young reader, historian, and scientist.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Historical Fun!, June 10, 2001

By 

Lisa A Raun (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4) (Paperback)

Mr. Murphy has a way of bringing history "to life" with his wonderful and witty account of Ben Franklin's tale. This book is extremely well written and will captivate an audience of any age. The younger children will enjoy the illustrations, especially Ben's pet squirrel Skugg, and older children creating their own magic squares! The fun continues well after you are finished reading the book! I am eagerly awaiting Mr. Murphy's next books!! (and "just a tip"... look for Mr. Murphy's picture at the end of the story!)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MY BOOK REVIEW BY THE COSMIC GENIUS, September 27, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4) (Paperback)

This book was great for kid's teenagers and adults. What I'm trying to say is that this book is suitable for all ages. I think elementary teachers should read this to their students. This book is great to teach kids about the past and how inventions are still used today, in different ways. I learned how Ben Franklin invented most of the instruments we use today; like the stove, bifocals, flippers and many other inventions. I encourage you to buy this book if you have young kids or not.

Scott G(...)